Park Usage

Three key questions:

1. What is the appropriate use of a city park?
2. Can the area and our roadways handle the traffic generated by events or attractions?
3. Are there unique issues on the barrier islands?  Examples:
• traffic and parking
• impact on the environment and vulnerable species
• storm preparation, evacuation, and response

Click on the links below to learn more about the issues surrounding St. Armands Circle Park as well as parks on our surrounding keys.

Note:  In 2024, a long-running downtown Seafood & Music Festival decided to move from J.D. Hamel Park (across from Marina Jack) to the Sarasota Fairgrounds, citing "parking congestion (with free and plentiful parking at the fairgrounds) and the impact on nearby condo residences at the festival's previous location" (link to article).  For similar reasons, the city's barrier island parks may not be optimal for large, multi-day festivals and events.

Note:  The City has a Parks and Recreation Master Plan which is available at this link.